Electric mobility devices assisting or replacing walking
Electric mobility devices that assist walking mean e.g. balanced one-wheel or multi-wheel people movers, such as balance boards (hoverboard/electric skateboard)and other mobility devices with electric motors.
A walking assisting mobility device can have a maximum power of 1 kW and a maximum speed of no more than 15 km/h. Mobility devices are equated with pedestrians in traffic, but the speed must be adapted according to the situation.
When using these devices on pavement, special caution must be taken, and the speed of the device must be adjusted in such a way that it does not cause harm or danger to pedestrians.
Devices assisting walking that weigh over 25 kilograms must be liability insured starting on 1 June 2024.
Light electric vehicles
Light electric vehicles include various self-balancing people movers, electric scooters, three- or four-wheeled scooters exclusively for use by elderly persons or persons with reduced mobility, and other such vehicles.
Light electric vehicles can have a maximum power of 1 kW and a maximum speed of no more than 25 km/h. Light electric vehicles follow bicycle rider traffic rules, meaning that the right place to ride these devices is, as a rule, the bicycle path. However, when moving at a walking pace, self-balancing devices may also be used on the pavement.
A light electric vehicle must be equipped with a front-facing white or light-yellow light and a rear-facing red light and a visible reflector. The reflector may also be attached to the driver of the light electric vehicle, and other lamps and reflectors permitted on the bicycle may also be used.
Light electric vehicles must have an audible warning device.
A light electric vehicle cannot have a seat unless, for example, it is self-balancing, intended primarily for off-road use and on unpaved surfaces, or intended exclusively for use by persons with reduced mobility.
Light electric vehicles that weigh over 25 kilograms must be liability insured starting on 1 June 2024. Read more about insuring light electric mobility devices on the website of The Finnish Motor Insurers’ Centre (External link).
Electrically-assisted or motorised bicycle
The maximum power of an electric bicycle must not exceed 250 W, the assistance must switch off when the speed reaches 25 km/h, and the assistance must only operate when pedalled.
The maximum power of a motorised bicycle (L1e-A) must not exceed 1000 W. The motor can operate without pedalling, but must switch off when the speed reaches 25 km/h.
Electric bicycles are subject to the technical requirements of bicycles and do not need to be covered by motor liability insurance. However, motor liability insurance (External link) must be taken out on motorised bicycles that do not meet the conditions of an electrically-assisted bicycle and weigh more than 25 kilograms.
Particular notes regarding electric mobility devices
If the maximum speed of an electric mobility device is more than 25 km/h or the maximum power is more than 1kW, the device cannot be a walking assisting mobility device or a light electric vehicle. If such a device is to be used in traffic, it must be approved in a suitable category, e.g. as a moped. Such a vehicle has type-approval, insurance and registration requirements and is also subject to driving licence regulations.
A vehicle is not a light electric vehicle if it is type-approved as a category L vehicle (mopeds, motorcycles, light quadricycles).
A vehicle is not roadworthy if it does not belong to any vehicle category defined in the Vehicles Act or EU Regulation 168/2013.